Florida's Emergency Disaster Services Prepares for Tropical Storm Debby

Tampa, FL (August 4, 2024) - Tropical Storm Debby is forecast to strengthen before landfall and become a hurricane, possibly as strong as a Category 2 storm. Regardless of the strengthening, this storm is expected to cause severe flooding in the Big Bend area of Florida. That is in addition to the expected wind damage, power outages, and other impacts of a storm like Debby.

As it prepares for its eventual landfall, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Department has begun preparing, placing canteens (mobile feeding units) and an Incident Management Team (IMT) on standby, as well as staging critical supplies in the Divisional Disaster Warehouse. Bulk commodities such as water and meals ready to eat, as well as clean-up kits, are included in these supplies.

Florida EDS is coordinating with Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and placing a field kitchen on stand-by for potential meal preparation. The two organizations are also assessing locations for a co-located feeding site/base camp if possible. Co-located feeding sites can significantly streamline disaster relief efforts by centralizing resources and personnel. This setup enhances coordination and efficiency, allowing for quicker and more organized meal distribution to those in need. Moreover, it provides services and support at an individual location.

“By having essential items like water and meals ready to distribute, relief efforts can reach affected communities faster, reducing the impact of the storm. Additionally, this proactive approach helps mitigate chaos and ensures resources are allocated efficiently when they are needed the most. This provides hope for disaster survivors and first responders.” Said Steven Hartsook, FL EDS Director. “We are incredibly grateful for our relationship and partnership with Florida Baptist Disaster Relief, coming together to meet needs and provide hope.”

On Sunday, thirty canteens, state-wide, were placed on standby. This is to ensure local Salvation Army units can serve their communities for any impacts from storm surge, river flooding, and isolated tornadoes. Additionally, those canteens from parts of the state not under threat can deploy to the impacted location post landfall.

Timely deployment is essential to meet the urgent needs of displaced families and emergency responders. By arriving quickly, these canteens will help stabilize affected communities and support recovery efforts immediately post landfall and realized impacts.

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